Signs That Autumn is In The Air

People either can't wait for autumn to come or they love summer so much they aren't ready for autumn. There doesn't seem to be a group in the middle. I love it when signs of autumn are in the air.

First sign is that the nights are cooler and I don't have to spend hours watering every day. I love that.

Another sign is leaves are turning. Part of this is the dry conditions, but there are some 

pretty fall leaves already.

The cats are coming in more in the evening instead of doing whatever it is they do outside all night.

I feel like turning on my oven and baking again.

The sunrise is later and the sunset is earlier.

Apples are getting ready to pick.

It is craft time with friends. We always find so many fun crafts to do in autumn.

I need a blanket when going outside to drink my coffee.

Pumpkin flavors are everywhere. People are ready for pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin bread, pumpkins for autumn decor, pumpkin cream cold brew, pumpkin beer, and pumpkin pie.

For those of us that are retired teachers the signs of autumn in the air are no first day of school nightmares, no busting the budget on school supplies for the classroom, but a quieter, slower season to sit in the garden, sip a hot beverages, and watch the leaves turn.

The Things We Leave Behind: Farewell Tour of Martin Creek.

I knew the time would come when I would say my last goodbyes to the home I have lived in for nineteen years. My home at Martin Creek was like a  gardening classroom. I learned from trial and error everything I know about working with the soil. I learned what to grow and what to get rid of. What to do, what not to do. I will use that wisdom as we plan our next gardens. A lesson to remember-always throw your fruit pits and seeds in the yard. We raised peach, cherry, plum, and apple trees from seeds.

Someone asked me recently what I would miss the most at Martin Creek. At first I thought the view and then I realized it will be the gazebo. We spent so many wonderful hours talking, dreaming, warming by the fire, and appreciating the beauty around us in that gazebo. I loved what JEJ created.

I hope to once again grow Oakleaf Hydrangeas. They were beautiful blooming shrubs that took on color and provided colorful foliage all through the year. The blooms were always a surprise, and when they dried, you never knew the color the may become.

If you are ever looking for a hardy vine, purchase a silver lace vine. We will certainly get another one at this house. The are green and hardy, and the white flowers add to the display through at least two seasons of the year.

 Autumn Joy Sedum are the hardiest flower you can grow that looks beautiful in September. They require little water and little care. Perfect for the sandy soil I just left. I will miss them, but did bring a few to start again in my new garden.

I will miss the maple trees.  Every season of the year they provide beauty, but autumn is when they really show their stuff.

There is nothing like apple trees to fill in a orchard. I was so tempted to pick the little apples that were on the branches, but decided to leave them for the next owners.

The experiences, the photos, the family memories, and the various images I have stuffed in my head will help me remember this place fondly. It was a learning place in so many ways. I hope to take that learning and use it for our next garden projects and life itself. I'm so glad we had this time together.

Being Thankful: The Beauty of Apples

 While exploring  the Methow Valley last week-end we discovered apples everywhere.

They were still remaining on trees where we were staying.

Others hung on trees along the road like Christmas ornaments.

Some appeared ripe while others seemed to be left on the tree after an early frost.

We know the deer will find much to feast on until the snow piles up.